I have an opportunity to buy an 1999 Ford E250

[ganchan]

It's got a 5.4L V8 and 124K miles on it. Passenger version, not cargo version. Gold, looks very clean. Listed price is something like $5500. 

Assuming a mechanic gives it the thumbs-up, do I have a contender for my "short list" here? Or is the asking price too high?

 

[Matt71]

That's a little high for a 99 unless it's in really good condition.
I've seen 2007s for that

 

[Wabbit]

That seems pretty high to me also. However, when I window browse for a van atm, I search the whole US area as I will be able to drive there and check it out. I am also thinking I am going to wait until I get out west to buy, for nothing else than less rust issues when buying older stuff.

 

[ganchan]

In my case I currently don't have a vehicle at all, so I'm stuck with local choices....

But now I have a better idea of what these things generally go for, so thanks.

Should I be worried about chronological age as well as odometer age? 124K over a 15-year period is pretty easy going compared to a commercial cargo van that might rack up that many miles in 5 years....

 

[akrvbob]

I'd think $2900 was tops or that old a van. The mileage seems about right and wouldn't slow me down.

The early Ford 5.4 V8s puked their spark plugs on a regular basis. I don't know the details but I'd learn all about it before I bought a 5.4.
Bob

 

[Gregg]

Try to get a ford V-8 or V-10 that is 2001 or later.  They had addressed the spark issues by then.  Otherwise it is several hundred to fix a spark plug that blows out.

The price seems a bit high.  As a comparison, last year I bought a 2001 or 2002 (I would have to check the title, my memory isn't what it used to be) E350 V-10, XLT, 15 passenger with 80k in perfect condition with some aftermarket stuff (tow brake controller, better sound system, alarm, etc.) from the original owner in California with all maintenance records for $5000.00 (well actually $5200 but I sold the tires and wheels for $200 when I added my custom wheels/tires).  Also don't be afraid to negotiate and have cash ready.  The seller of my van was asking $6500.00

Be patient and find the right van, it took me 3 months.  With me, a vehicle talks to me when it is the right one.......  I guess I'm the "Car Whisperer" .... LOL

Gregg

 

[Gregg]

EDIT Double Post

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

First thing I do is check the Kelly Blue Book online.  In this case, 99 E250, 124000, 5.4 engine, its only worth $2000 in excellent condition.

Ordinarily, this would be the first thing I would mention in a negotiation - "Blue Book value is only $2000, why are you asking so much?"

But when the guy is THAT far above Blue Book, he probably thinks his crap is gold and won't want to come down that far.  He may even be insulted that you only want to give him so little.  Some people just have totally unrealistic ideas about their vehicles worth.

Regards
John